Chinese Refiner Extracts 191 Grams of Gold from Two Tonnes of E-Waste
In a remarkable display of industrial recycling, a Chinese precious-metals refiner has successfully extracted 191 grams of gold—worth nearly 200,000 yuan (approximately $29,000)—from roughly two tonnes of discarded telecommunications equipment and chip waste.
The refiner, operating under the online persona Qiao in Huizhou, Guangdong, shared the step-by-step extraction process in January 2026. While early viral social media reports claimed the haul came solely from old SIM cards, Qiao clarified that the yield required processing massive volumes of mixed electronic scrap containing trace amounts of gold.
Key Takeaways
The Yield: 191 grams of high-purity gold recovered from ~2 tonnes of e-waste.
Estimated Value: ~200,000 RMB / $29,000 USD.
Material Used: Mixed telecom scrap, circuit board components, and chip waste.
Safety Warning: The extraction involves highly hazardous industrial chemicals and toxic fumes; Qiao strongly advises against DIY attempts at home.
The viral feat has sparked widespread public interest in urban mining and e-waste recycling, driving a surge in online demand for old electronic components.
